BRAC Bank has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN Women and BASE under the ‘EmPower: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies’ programme, to launch a climate finance scheme for women-led small and medium enterprises (WSMEs) in the coastal regions of Bangladesh.
Coordinated by the BASE, the project seeks to empower women and other marginalised groups through access to climate finance for uptake of renewable energy technologies in their businesses.
With financial and technical support from the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) at BRAC University, BRAC Bank will introduce a USD 3 million loan portfolio targeting a large number of women entrepreneurs. The financial solutions will be tailored to help these businesses operate sustainably and withstand environmental pressures.
The project will also include training, product development, and research to strengthen the broader framework for sustainable finance across Cottage, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (CMSMEs).
Syed Abdul Momen, Additional Managing Director and Head of SME Banking at BRAC Bank said, “Women entrepreneurs are driving change in some of the most climate-affected parts of the country, yet they remain underserved by traditional finance. Through this initiative, we are designing financial solutions that reflect their realities, supporting their businesses today and strengthening their ability to adapt for tomorrow.”
The initiative reflects BRAC Bank’s continued focus on responsible banking, climate action, and economic empowerment through inclusive financial solutions.